Building structure

ABSTRACT

An improved building structure is provided that is relatively inexpensive, easy to assemble and provides stable and sufficient shelter to inhabitants. The structure includes a plurality of support beams with each beam having an arch beam and a cross beam. The arch beam is in the form of a downward opening arch having first and second ends and defines radially inner and outer surfaces. The cross beam spans the arch and a loft may be supported on the cross beams. A skin is supported on the support beams forming the walls and ceiling for the structure. The skin engages the outer surface of the arch beam of each support beam and extends between the ends of the arch beam. End panels may be coupled to a support beam at either end of the structure to enclose the interior space.

This application claims priority to pending U.S. Provisional PatentApplication Ser. No. 60/820,034 filed on Jul. 21, 2006, the entiredisclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

This invention relates to building structures and, in particular, to abuilding structure that is relatively inexpensive and easy to assembleyet provides strong and adaptable shelter for inhabitants or other usersof the structure.

2. Discussion of Related Art

A lack of adequate and affordable housing is a long-standing problemthat plagues many communities throughout the world. In economicallydisadvantaged areas, individuals have difficulty locating adequateshelter and communities have difficulty organizing. Similarly, inexisting communities where natural disasters have struck, individualsand communities struggle to rebuild and reorganize. The lack of adequateand affordable housing has effects that go beyond the immediate lack ofshelter for individuals. A lack of housing makes education, communityorganization and other goals more difficult to reach because of thetransitory nature of a homeless population and the need for resources tosupport the population.

Numerous attempts have been made to develop affordable and adequatehousing including the development of improved building structures.Building structures that are inexpensive to create, however, arefrequently weak and offer poor weather resistance. Conversely, strongerbuilding structures are often prohibitively expensive and are moredifficult to construct.

The inventors herein have recognized a need for a building structurethat is affordable and easy to create, but that also provides strong andadaptable housing for the inhabitants.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides a building structure that is affordable,easy to manufacture and assemble, and provides strong and adaptablehousing for inhabitants.

A building structure in accordance with the present invention includes aplurality of support beams. Each of the support beams includes a archbeam in the form of a downward opening arch. The arch beam has first andsecond ends and defines radially inner and outer surfaces. The supportbeam further includes a cross beam spanning the arch and having firstand second ends coupled to the arch beam at first and second pointsdistant from the first and second ends of the arch beam. The buildingstructure further includes a skin supported on the plurality of supportbeams. The skin engages the outer surface of the arch beam of each ofthe plurality of support beams and extends between the first and secondends of the arch beam of each of the plurality of support beams. Thestructure further includes a loft supported on at least two of the crossbeams of the plurality of support beams.

A building structure in accordance with the present invention offersmany advantages. The structure is relatively inexpensive. The structureis also easy to manufacture and assemble and can be made from materialsfound locally in most instances. The ease of assembly makes thestructure relatively portable. The structure is also scalable. Thestructure is also relatively strong and weather resistant. Further, thestructure is adaptable allowing inhabitants to personalize thestructure. The improved structure not only results in improved housingstock, but also facilitates communication organization and communitygoals by facilitating solutions to homelessness.

These and other advantages of this invention will become apparent to oneskilled in the art from the following detailed description and theaccompanying drawings illustrating features of this invention by way ofexample.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the exterior of a building structure inaccordance with the present invention.

FIGS. 2-3 are perspective views of the exterior and interior of abuilding structure in accordance with the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a portion of a building structure inaccordance with the present invention.

FIG. 5 is an enlarged perspective view of a portion of a buildingstructure in accordance with the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the exterior of a building structure inaccordance with another embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a portion of a building structure inaccordance with the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a elevational view of a building structure in accordance withanother embodiment of the present invention.

FIGS. 9-11 are cross-sectional views of the building structure of FIG. 8taken along lines 9-9, 10-10 and 11-11, respectively.

FIG. 12 is a top plan view of the building structure of FIG. 8.

FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view of the building structure of FIG. 8.

FIG. 14 is a partial cross-sectional view illustrating a portion of thebuilding structure of FIG. 8.

FIG. 15 is a partial cross-sectional view illustrating a portion of thebuilding structure of FIG. 8.

FIG. 16 is a partial cross-sectional view of a ladder used in thebuilding structure of FIG. 8.

FIGS. 17-18 are front and rear plan views of the building structure ofFIG. 8.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

Referring now to the drawings wherein like reference numerals are usedto identify identical components in the various views, FIGS. 1-3illustrates a building structure 110 in accordance with the presentinvention. Structure 110 is primarily designed to serve as residentialhousing (permanent or temporary). It should be understood, however, thatstructure 110 may be used for a wide variety of purposes including astorage shed, a workshop, a playhouse, etc. Structure 110 includes aplurality of support beams 112, a skin 114 and end panels 116, 118.Structure 110 may further include floor beams 120, 122 (best shown inFIGS. 4-5), a floor 124, a porch 126, a loft 128, a stove 130, a ventstack 132 and beds 134.

Support beams 112 provide structural support for structure 110. Beams112 may be made from conventional metals and metal alloys. As shown inthe illustrated embodiment, beams 112 may be square or rectangular incross-section. It should be understood, however, that thecross-sectional shape of beam 112 may vary. Referring to FIG. 4, eachbeam 112 includes an arch beam 136 and a cross beam 138.

Arch beam 136 is in the form of a downward opening arch. In particular,beam 136 is in the form of a catenary arch that directs forces into theground directly along the line of the arch. Beam 136 defines ends 140,142 and an apex 144 equidistant from ends 140, 142. Referring to FIG. 5,beam 136 also defines radially inner and outer surfaces 146, 148 (facingthe interior living space and the exterior, respectively). One or moreof the beams 112 (e.g., the beam 112 on either end of structure 110) mayinclude posts (not shown) at ends 140, 142 to secure structure 110 tothe ground.

Referring again to FIG. 4, cross beam 138 provides improved structuralsupport and also supports loft 128. Cross beam 138 spans the arch formedby arch beam 136. Cross beam 138 may be formed with arch beam 136 as aunitary structure or beam 138 may be coupled to arch beam 136 as aseparate member. Beam 138 is substantially straight and defineslongitudinal ends 150, 152. Ends 150, 152 may be coupled to arch beam136 at points on arch beam 136 distant from ends 140, 142 of arch beam136 and preferably at points that are equidistant from apex 144 of archbeam 136. Ends 150, 152 may be coupled to the radially inner surface 146of arch beam 136.

Referring again to FIG. 1, skin 114 forms a ceiling and a wall forstructure 110. Skin 114 may be made from corrugated metal.Alternatively, skin 114 may made from reinforced fiberglass panels in avariety of colors allowing personalization of structure 110. Skin 114may also be insulated. Skin 114 may be a unitary structure or may bemade from multiple members coupled together. Skin 114 is supported onbeams 112. Skin 114 engages the outer surface 148 of arch beam 136 ofeach support beam 112. Skin 114 extends between ends 140, 142 of eacharch beam 136. Referring to FIG. 6, skin 114 may include one or moretranslucent panels 154 to allow additional light into the interior spaceof structure 110. Panel 154 may be located at an apex of the arch formedby skin 114 upon assembly to arch beams 136. Referring again to FIGS.1-3, skin 114 may define an opening 156 configured to receive vent stack132.

End panels 116, 118 enclose either longitudinal end of structure 110.End panels 116, 118 may be made from aluminum in a honeycomb structure.End panels 116, 118 are secured to one of beams 112 at eitherlongitudinal end of structure 110.

Referring to FIG. 1, end panel 116 may form an entranceway to structure110 and may include a doorway 158 configured to receive a door 160 (withor without a window 162). Panel 116 may further include one or morewindows 164. In the illustrated embodiment, panel 116 includes threewindows 164 arranged vertically and another window 164 centeredproximate the apex of panel 116 above the loft 128 to allow light andventilation to the interior spaces of structure 110. Panel 116 mayfurther include a retractable awning 166 that is disposed over doorway158 and provides shade and shelter for porch 126. When retracted, awning166 may cover the window 164 above loft 128. Awning 166 may be made fromhoneycombed aluminum panels.

Referring to FIG. 2, end panel 118 may enclose the rear of structure110. Panel 118 may include one or more windows 168. In the illustratedembodiment, panel 118 includes three windows 168 arranged horizontallyand a window 168 proximate the apex of panel 118 above the loft 128 toallow light and ventilation to the interior spaces of structure 110. Itshould be understood, however, that the number and arrangement ofwindows may be modified. Panel 118 may also include a retractable awning170 which again may cover the window 168 above loft 128 when retracted.Referring to FIG. 3, end panel 118 may support shelves 172 used forinterior storage and display. In the illustrated embodiment two sets offour vertically arranged shelves 172 are shown. It should again beunderstood, however, that the number and arrangement of shelves 172 mayvary.

Referring again to FIG. 6, in an alternate embodiment of the invention,a structure 110′ may include an end panel 116′ having a doorway 158′configured to receive multiple doors 160 (i.e., a double door). Panel116′ may again include a retractable awning 166′, but awning 166′ mayassume a rectangular shape to provide shelter to the area just outsideof the enlarged doorway 158′. In accordance with one aspect of thepresent invention, the end panels 116, 118 may assume a variety of formsdepending on the intended function of structure 110 or the wishes of theinhabitants. In this manner, structure 110 is easily adaptable.

Referring again to FIGS. 4-5, floor beams 120, 122 are provided tosupport floor 124. Beams 120, 122 may be made from conventional metalsand metal alloys. Referring to FIG. 5, beams 120 may extendlongitudinally between support beams 112. In particular one beam 120 mayconnect the ends 140 of beams 112 while another beam 120 may connect theends 142 beam 112. Beam 120 may be substantially C-shaped in crosssection, opening upward and defining a bottom wall 174 and side walls176, 178. Side wall 176 may be angled inward slightly to match thecontour of inner surface 146 of arch beam 136. Beams 120 may be coupledto beams 136 using conventional fasteners such as screws or bolts.

Beams 122 may comprise cross beams extending between beams 120.Referring to FIG. 4, beams 122 may be laterally spaced from one anotherwith beams 122 aligned with beams 112 and interposed between beams 112it should be understood, however, that the number of cross beams 122 mayvary. Referring again to FIG. 5, beams 122 may be coupled to beams 120through slits 180 formed proximate the ends of each beam 122 that areconfigured to receive a sidewall 176 of beam 120. Beams 122 may also beC-shaped in cross-section (opening in an opposite direction (i.e.,downwardly) relative to beams 120) or square in cross-section or takeanother form. Beams 122 may also be hollow or solid.

Floor 124 provides a flat surface above the ground to protect theinterior of structure 110 from water and insects. Floor 124 is supportedon beams 120, 122. Floor 124 may be made from plywood or cork tiles orother flooring materials. In accordance with one aspect of the presentinvention, the shipping container for structure 110 provides thematerial for floor 124 (and possibly loft 128) thereby improvingpackaging and reducing waste material.

Referring again to FIGS. 1-3, porch 126 provides a gathering spaceoutside of structure 110. Porch 126 may be made from the same materialsused to construct floor 124 including plywood, cork tiles, etc.Alternatively, porch 126 may be made from concrete tiles.

Referring to FIGS. 2-3, loft 128 increases the usable interior space ofstructure 110 and may be used for a variety of purposes includingstorage or sleeping quarters. Loft 128 may be made from plywood or woodboards that are supported on cross beams 138 of support beams 112. Loft128 defines an aperture 182 configured to receive vent stack 132. Loft128 may also define an aperture 184 (which may be formed as part ofaperture 182 or be a separate aperture) used for access to loft 128. Aladder 186 may extend from floor 124 through aperture 184 for access toloft 128. Solar powered lights 188 may be suspended from the undersideof loft 128 to light the interior space between floor 124 and loft 128.Lights 188 may alternatively be suspended from cross beams 138.

Stove 130 is provided for cooking and or heat and is conventional in theart. Referring to FIG. 2, stove 130 may be supported on a base 190 onfloor 124. Base 190 may be made from heat resistant/non-combustiblematerials and may be made from concrete for example.

Vent stack 132 is be used to exhaust heat and combustible gases fromstove 130. Stack 132 may include a hood 192 at one end configured todirect exhaust heat and gases into a flue 194 which may be a double wallflue. Vent stack 132 extends through apertures 182, 156 in loft 128 andskin 114, respectively.

Beds 134 provide a resting place for inhabitants of structure 110 andmay also function as seating. Beds 134 are suspended two or more archbeams 136 and, in particular, may be suspended from inner surface 146 ofbeams 136. Referring to FIG. 7, one lateral end 196 of the bed 134 isdisposed against surface 146 of beam 136 while the opposite lateral end198 is normally suspended from beam 136 (as shown in FIGS. 2-3). Bed 134may be moved by folding the bed upward such that the suspended lateralend 198 of bed 134 is brought into engagement with surface 146 of beam136.

Referring now to FIGS. 8-13 and 17-18, a building structure 200 inaccordance with another embodiment of the present invention isillustrated. Like structure 110, structure 200 is primarily designed toserve as residential housing (permanent or temporary). It should beunderstood, however, that structure 200 may be used for a wide varietyof purposes including a storage shed, a workshop, a playhouse, etc.Structure 200 includes a plurality of support beams including centersupport beams 202 (FIG. 9) and end support beams 204 (FIG. 10), 206(FIG. 11), a skin 208 and a loft 210. Structure 200 may further includea ladder 212, doors 214, 216, end panels 218, 220, 222 (FIG. 10) and224, 226, 228 (FIG. 11), awnings 230 (FIG. 10) 232 (FIG. 11), and afloor 234.

Referring to FIG. 9-11, support beams 202, 204 and 206 providestructural support for structure 200. Referring to FIGS. 12-13, in theillustrated embodiment a pair of center support beams 202 are disposedbetween end support beams 204, 206 and these four support beams definethe interior space of structure 200. It should be understood, however,that the number of support beams 202, 204, 206 can vary to allowvariation in the size of structure 200. Referring again to FIG. 8, anadditional support beam 202 may be used to support awning 232. Beams202, 204 and 206 may be made from conventional metals and metal alloys.Beams 202, 204, and 206 may be square or rectangular in cross-section.It should be understood, however, that the cross-sectional shape ofbeams 202, 204, 206 may vary. Beams 202, 204, 206 may be made frompowder coated metals. Referring to FIGS. 9-11, each beam 202, 204, 206includes an arch beam 236 and a cross beam 238. Arch beam 236 and crossbeam 238 are substantially similar to arch beam 136 and cross beam 138in beam 112 of structure 110 and reference may therefore be had to theabove description of arch beam 136 and cross beam 138 for a moredetailed description of arch beam 236 and cross beam 238. Referring toFIGS. 10 and 11, end support beams 204, 206 may further include basebeams 240, 242, respectively, and vertical beams 244, 246 an 248, 250,respectively.

Base beams 240, 242 provide additional structural support for structure200. Base beams 240, 242 provide a portion of the frame supporting doors214, 216, respectively, and end panels 218, 220 and 224, 226,respectively. Base beams 240, 242, also may be used to secure structure200 relative to the ground. Referring to FIG. 14, angle brackets 252 maybe disposed against base beams 240, 242 on the interior side 254 ofbeams 240, 242. Fasteners 256 may extend through brackets 252 into theinterior side 254 of beams 240, 242 and into a ground mounting structuresuch as a concrete slab. Base beams 240, 242 may be integrally formedwith corresponding arch beams 236 such that base beams 240, 242 form aunitary structure with a corresponding arch beam 236 or may be formed asa separate component that is coupled to a corresponding arch beam 236.

Vertical beams 244, 246 and 248, 250 also provide structural support forstructure 100. Beams 244, 246 and 248, 250, provide a portion of theframe supporting doors 214, 216, respectively, and end panels 218, 220and 224, 226, respectively. Beams 244, 246, extend between cross beam238 and base beam 240 of support beam 204 and define a doorway 258therebetween. Likewise, beams 248, 250, extend between cross beam 238and base beam 242 of support beam 106 and define a doorway 260therebetween. Vertical beams 248, 250 are spaced more widely from oneanother than vertical beams 244, 246 to allow for the use of a doubledoor. It should be understood, however, that the use and spacing ofbeams 244, 246 and 248, 250 may vary depending on the application ofstructure 200. Vertical beams 244, 246 and 248, 250 may be integral withcorresponding base beams 240, 242 and cross beams 238 so as to formunitary structures. Alternatively, vertical beams 244, 246 and 248, 250,may be formed as separate components that are coupled to correspondingbase beams 240, 242 and cross beams 238.

Referring again to FIG. 8, skin 208 forms a ceiling and a wall forstructure 200. Skin 208 may be a unitary structure or may include aplurality of members allowing for variations in design and applicationof structure 200. In the illustrated embodiment, skin 208 includesmembers or panels 262, 264, 266 (it will be understood that similarmembers or panels may be disposed on the opposite side of structure200). Members 262, 264, 266 may be made from various metals, metalalloys and plastics. In the illustrated embodiment members 262, 266 aremade from corrugated metal that may be galvanized to prevent corrosion.Member 264 may be made from a corrugated plastic that is translucent toallow additional light into the interior space of structure 200. In theillustrated embodiment, member 264 is disposed between the apex and endof skin 208. Skin 208 may be insulated and is supported on beams 202,204, 206. Referring to FIG. 9, skin 208 engages the outer surface 268 ofarch beam 236 of each support beam 202, 204, 206 and extends between theends 270, 272 of each arch beam 236 in a manner similar to skin 114 ofstructure 110 as described hereinabove. Skin 208 may be fastened to archbeams 236 using fasteners (not shown) that extend through alignedapertures in skin 208 and the outer surface 268 of arch beams 236.Members 262, 264, 266 may overlap one another such that a commonfasteners secure multiple members to beams 236. Referring to FIG. 15each end of skin 208 may be received within a channel 274 formed in agenerally C-shaped gutter 276 that may be affixed to the outer surface268 of each arch beam 236 and extend longitudinally along structure 200.

Referring now to FIGS. 12-13, loft 210 is provided to increase theusable interior space of structure 200 and may be used for a variety ofpurposes including storage or sleeping quarters. Loft 210 may be madefrom plywood or wood boards that are supported on cross beams 238 ofsupport beams 202, 204, 206. Alternatively, loft 210 may be made frommetals or metal alloys, plastics or other conventional materials. In theillustrated embodiment, loft 210 includes two members 278, 280 disposedat either longitudinal end of structure 200. Member 278 is supported oncross beams 238 of end support beam 204 and an adjacent center supportbeam 202. Member 280 is supported on cross beams 238 of end support beam206 and an adjacent center support beam 202. The vertical space in theinterior of structure 200 between the two center support beams 202 istherefore left open. It should be understood, however, that loft 210could be arranged in a number of ways depending on the desiredapplication of structure 200. Loft 210 may be supported directly oncross beams 238. Alternatively, loft 210 may be supported indirectly bybrackets (not shown) affixed to cross beams 238. For example, anglebrackets (not shown) may be connected with one leg extending verticallyand affixed to a vertical side wall of cross beam 238 and another legextending horizontally to support loft 210. Loft 212 may be accessedusing a ladder 212.

Ladder 212 is provided to allow access to loft 210. Referring to FIG.16, ladder 212 may taper in a longitudinal direction. Ladder 212 may bemade from wood painted with a fire retardant coating. Ladder 212 may besupported on a pair of feet 282, 284, using bolts or other fasteners 286(with corresponding nuts and washers) to allow ladder 212 to rotateabout an axis 288 extending parallel to the ground or floor of structure200. In this manner, the top of ladder 212 can be moved between members278, 280 of loft 210 to allow access to either member 278, 280 of loft210. Feet 282, 284 may be secured to the ground or floor of structure200 in a conventional manner (e.g., by using bolts extending throughfeet 282, 284 and into a concrete slab).

Referring now to FIG. 17-18, doors 214, 216 are provided to allow accessto the interior of structure 200. Doors 214, 216 may be made from wood,metals or plastics. Door 214 is a single door and is disposed within aframe formed by cross beam 238, base beam 240, and vertical beams 244,246 of support beam 204. Door 216 is a double door and is disposedwithin a frame formed by cross beam 238, base beam 242, and verticalbeams 248, 250 of support beam 206. Doors 214, 216 may be configured ina variety of ways depending on the application of structure 200. Forexample, door 214 may include an aperture 290 configured to receive awindow 292 or a hinged door (formed from door 214) and may include acounter (not shown) mounted along the bottom wall of the aperture. Doors214, 216 may include conventional door knobs or pulls and latches orlocks for security.

End panels 218, 220, 222 and 224, 226, 228 are provided to enclose theinterior of structure 200. Panels 218, 220 are disposed within a frameformed by arch beam 236, cross beam 238, base beam 240 and acorresponding vertical beam 244 or 246 of end support beam 204.Similarly, panels 224, 226 are disposed within a frame formed by archbeam 236, cross beam 238, base beam 242 and a corresponding verticalbeam 248 or 250 of end support beam 206. Panels 218, 220 and 224, 226,may be secured to support beams 204, 206 using fasteners (not shown)extending through panels 218, 220 and 224, 226 and into brackets (notshown) welded onto beams 204, 206. Panels 218, 220 and 224, 226, may befrom a ribbed thermoplastic sold by General Electric Plastics B.V. Corp.under the registered trademark “THERMOCLEAR.” It should be understood,however, that panels 218, 220 and 224, 226 may be made from a variety ofmaterials including glass. Panel 222 is disposed within a frame formedby arch beam 236 and cross beam 238 of end support beam 204. Similarly,panel 228 is disposed within a frame formed by arch beam 236 and crossbeam 238 of end support beam 206. Panels 222 and 228 may again besecured to support beams 204, 206 using fasteners (not shown) extendingthrough panels 222 and 228 and into brackets (not shown) welded ontobeams 204, 206. Panels 222, 228, may be made from plywood, but also maybe made from metals and plastics. Panels 222, 228, may define apertures294, 296, respectively configured to receive louvers 298, 300,respectively, or a glass window.

Awnings 230, 232 are provide to shelter the entryways to structure 200.Awning 230 may be a retractable awning that is disposed over door 214.When retracted, awning 230 may cover the louver 294 in end panel 222.Awning 230 may be made from a variety of conventional metals, plasticsor wood. Referring to FIG. 18, awning 230 is supported by metal rods302, 304 that may be threaded at either end for receipt intocorresponding threaded bores in awning 230 and arch beam 236 of endsupport beam 104. Awning 232 is disposed over door 216. Awning 232 maybe made from corrugated metal or plastic and is supported on a supportbeam 202. Awning 232 may extend beyond beam 202 to provide additionalcovering for a porch. Awning 232 overlaps skin 208 and may be secured tothe radially outer surface 268 of arch beam 236 of end support beam 206using the same fasteners used to connect skin 208 to beam 206.

Floor 234 provides a flat surface above the ground to protect theinterior of structure 200 from water and insects. Floor 234 may compriserubber padding laid over a concrete slab. Alternatively, floor 234 maybe formed in from wood or cork tiles as detailed above with respect tofloor 124 of structure 110.

A building structure 110 or 200 in accordance with the present inventionprovides numerous advantages. Structures 110 and 200 are affordable,easy to manufacture and assemble. The ease of assembly makes structures110 and 200 relatively portable such that structures 110 and 200 can bedisassembled and reassembled as needed. Structures 110 and 200 are alsoscalable. In the illustrated embodiment, four support beams 112 or 202,204, 206 define the length of structures 110 and 200, respectively.Additional support beams 112 or 202 could be used to lengthen structures110 or 200, however. Structures 110 and 200 are also made fromlightweight, inexpensive and widely available materials. Structures 110and 200 are also very compact for shipping purposes, capable of fittingin a box measuring 1.22 meters by 3.66 meters by 0.61 meters. Despitethe low cost of structures 110 and 200, structures 110 and 200 are alsovery strong given the inherent strength of the arch formed by structures110 and 200 and are weather resistant. Structures 110 and 200 may alsobe customized by inhabitants through use of different skins 114, 208,respectively, and end panels 116, 118 and 218, 220, 222, 224, 226, 228,respectively. In addition to providing affordable yet strong andadaptable housing for inhabitants of structures 110 and 200, structures110 and 200 foster community organization and goals by providingaffordable permanent housing stock.

While the invention has been shown and described with reference to oneor more particular embodiments thereof, it will be understood by thoseof skill in the art that various changes and modifications can be madewithout departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

1. A building structure, comprising: a plurality of support beams, eachof said support beams having a arch beam in the form of a downwardopening arch, said arch beam having first and second ends and definingradially inner and outer surfaces; and, a cross beam spanning said archand having first and second ends coupled to said arch beam at first andsecond points distant from said first and second ends of said arch beam;a skin supported on said plurality of support beams, said skin engagingsaid outer surface of said arch beam of each of said plurality ofsupport beams and extending between said first and second ends of saidarch beam of each of said plurality of support beams; and, a loftsupported on at least two of said cross beams of said plurality ofsupport beams.
 2. The building structure of claim 1 wherein said archbeam is in the form of a catenary arch.
 3. The building structure ofclaim 1 wherein said first and second ends of said cross beam arecoupled to said arch beam at first and second points on said arch beamequidistant from an apex of said arch beam.
 4. The building structure ofclaim 1 wherein said first and second ends of said cross beam arecoupled to said radially inner surface of said arch beam.
 5. Thebuilding structure of claim 1 wherein said skin is formed from acorrugated metal.
 6. The building structure of claim 1 wherein said skinincludes a translucent panel.
 7. The building structure of claim 6wherein said translucent panel is disposed between an apex of said skinand an end of said skin.
 8. The building structure of claim 1 whereinsaid skin defines an opening configured to receive a vent stack.
 9. Thebuilding structure of claim 1 wherein said loft defines an openingconfigured to receive a vent stack.
 10. The building structure of claim1, further comprising a bed suspended from at least two of said archbeams of said plurality of support beams.
 11. The building structure ofclaim 10 wherein a first lateral end of said bed is disposed againstsaid inner surface of said at least two arch beams of said plurality ofsupport beams and a second lateral end, opposite said first lateral end,is suspended from said at least two arch beams of said plurality ofsupport beams, said second lateral end movable into engagement with saidinner surface of said at least two arch beams of said plurality ofsupport beams.
 12. The building structure of claim 1, further comprisingan end panel coupled to a first support beam of said plurality ofsupport beams, said end panel defining a doorway.
 13. The buildingstructure of claim 1, further comprising an end panel coupled to a firstsupport beam of said plurality of support beams, said end panel defininga window.
 14. The building structure of claim 1, further comprising anend panel coupled to a first support beam of said plurality of supportbeams, said end panel including a retractable awning.
 15. The buildingstructure of claim 14 wherein said awning is disposed over a doorwayformed in said first end panel.
 16. The building structure of claim 1,further comprising: a plurality of floor beams, each of said floor beamscoupled to at least one of said plurality of support beams proximate oneof said first and second ends of said at least one support beam; and, afloor supported on said plurality of floor beams.
 17. The buildingstructure of claim 16 wherein said floor is formed from a shippingcontainer for said building structure.
 18. The building structure ofclaim 1, wherein a first support beam of said plurality of support beamsincludes: a base beam extending between said first and second ends ofsaid arch beam; and, first and second vertical beams extending betweensaid cross beam and said base beam and forming a doorway therebetween.